Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Cheltenham Jogging

Cheltenham

The UK’s most complete Regency town doubles up as an excellent place for a jog. With spacious, leafy boulevards and stunning architecture, runners will be treated to a journey through history as they pass through classical Georgian architecture and grade-2 listed landmark parks.

Boat House Cafe Loop (3.23 miles)

Pitville, considered amongst Cheltenham’s most prestigious areas, is full of rambling gardens, lakes, unique historical buildings and, with flat surfaces, it makes the perfect place for a run. Take the Boat House Cafe Loop for a good look at the town’s foremost landmark, the Pitville Pump Room – largest of the spa buildings in Cheltenham.

Leckhampton Peak Loop (6.61 miles)

A trip to the southside of the town will unlock a more nature-based jogging track. The Leckhampton Peak Loop stretches just over 6-and-a-half miles across roving hills and green vistas to one of Gloucestershire’s most iconic landmarks. Be prepared for rough terrain and elevation.

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

clock icon May 12, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Edinburgh Jogging

Edinburgh

With steep hills, ancient stonework and winding streets, Scotland’s capital city may not strike you as a jogging hotspot but, if you know where to look, there are plenty of tracks to suit runners of any skill level – here are a few to consider.

Arthur’s Seat Circuit (4.7 miles)

If you’re looking to work up a sweat and get a snapshot of the city all in one go, try the Arthur’s Seat Circuit – close to 5 miles of mountain and metropolis that will see you through Holyrood Park and Edinburgh University as well as the peak of the hill itself, where you can gaze out across the city and the ocean beyond.

Water of Leith Odyssey (28 miles)

So named for its range and grandeur, the Water of Leith route is a canal-based path stretching between Leith (located 2-miles north of Edinburgh) and Balerno, a village further afield (8-miles from the city). With a combination of paved/gravel road and a straightforward water-adjacent circuit, you’ll find it easy to stay on track and you won’t be starved of scenery either, with key areas like Colinton Village, Union Canal, Dean Village and more to explore on your way. 

This is a route for the most ardent joggers only, so be certain of your stamina before you take off. Fortunately, you’ll be passing through the city itself so, if you run out of juice before the end, there’s easy access to transport (and plenty of pubs to rest your laurels).

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

Learn more

clock icon May 12, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Inverness Jogging

No matter how north you travel, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic jogging city than Inverness. Located just eight miles from Loch Ness, brimming with local landmarks and boasting impeccable street safety, we are proud to encourage our guests to lace them up and hit the track during their stay in the highlands properties.

Inverness Grand Tour (4.4 miles)

If you’re new to the city and want to get a little more familiar, look no further than the Grand Tour circuit, spanning just over 4 miles and covering a number of iconic landmarks, such as Bellefield Park, Ness Islands, Whin Park/Canal Park, the Botanical Gardens and, of course, Inverness Castle.

Caledonian Canal Route South (9.2 miles)

Travel south of the city and feast your eyes on the rolling hills, canal views and mesmeric river formations. At over 9 miles, this is a circuit for experienced joggers with a tolerance for weather (all kinds, inevitably) and time to spare.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

Learn more

clock icon May 12, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – London Jogging

When you stay at one of our London properties, you’re always in close proximity to a safe, scenic jogging track. Whether you’re working up a sweat on a four-mile run, or taking in the city sights on a light, local trot, you’re bound to find something to fit your fitness levels.

Curzon Street properties:

As one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in London, Mayfair is always worth the run-by. Take in the elegant architecture, high-end shops and luxurious restaurants, then break out from the concrete into Green Park, less than 2-minutes from our Curzon Street properties.

Green Park Loop (2.5 miles):

It’s hard to beat the convenience and scenery of Green Park with over 40 acres of pristine garden territory maintained year-round. A jog around this route also provides a glance at a couple of famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and the Canada Gate.

Four Royal Parks Circuit (6.57 miles):

If you’re looking for a wholesome way to explore the city centre, you could do a lot worse than the Four Royal Parks Circuit, which will steer you through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens pathways bringing into view a number of noteworthy landmarks, such as the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner, and the Diana Memorial Fountain. The route is flat and nearly traffic free, just be certain to visit before dusk, when Kensington Gardens closes.

No1 The Mansions, Kensington:

Amongst London’s most famous and charming boroughs, Kensington and Chelsea is unsurprisingly a delightful destination for a jog. In just an hour’s circuit, you’re liable to spot celebrities, sight 19th century architecture and even catch a glimpse of the Thames at sunset (if you know where to run).

Holland Park Loop (2.5 miles):

Located just a short jog from our Mansions property, the Holland Park route rambles north through luxury shops, upscale restaurants and historical buildings, all the way to the famous Kyoto Garden, a gift to the city of London from the city of Kyoto, in Japan.

Regent’s Canal Towpath (7.5 miles):

If you’re feeling a little more motivated, you might instead head south towards the river. By following the canal towpath, you can drink in (not literally) the waterside atmosphere and then head along towards London Zoo and past Regent’s Park.

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

Learn more

clock icon April 24, 2023

ByMansley Off To a Promising Start at The Serviced Apartment Awards 2023

We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for two awards at the 2023 Serviced Apartment Awards. The Serviced Apartment Awards are regarded as ‘The Oscars’ of the Serviced Apartment industry, so to have been shortlisted for Best Operator 51-200 units and Best Architecture/Exterior External Design is very exciting. Being recognised as one of the best in our industry is a gratifying testament to all of the hardworking people that help create the Mansley difference.

The Best Operator Award takes into consideration the guest experience that each property provides, how innovative our products are and how we communicate with our guests before, during and after their stay. We are judged on our engagement with both guests and the hospitality community, the safety features that we have in place to ensure that our apartments are a safe space for our guests, as well as how we distribute to the marketplace and how we face up to our sustainability responsibilities. To have our efforts recognised as being amongst the best in the industry is a great honour.

The nomination also brings back great memories from our triumph in the Best Operator category at the 2022 awards. We are looking forward to finding out who emerges victorious in 2023.

The Best Architecture/External Design award is for our Strozzi Palace property in Cheltenham. Strozzi Palace is a unique and still much-loved landmark in Cheltenham the life of which began in the mid-1890s when a town planner had a grand vision for housing a new urban utility power station. The exterior was based on Palazzo Strozzi – one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Florence, Italy and is a Grade II listed building. These days the building is home to the six luxury suites that make up Strozzi Palace by Mansley.

Mansley Serviced Apartments are a collection of chic and stylish serviced luxury apartments available to rent in the UK’s most prestigious locations, including Mayfair, Kensington, Edinburgh, Cheltenham and the Scottish Highlands. Escape with us, at: www.bymansley.com

clock icon April 21, 2023

Bippity, Boppity Blitz! A Brief ByMansley Guide To Spring Cleaning

We spoke with our head of housekeeping to get the craftiest, most effective tips for keeping your home (or serviced apartment) as clean as a whistle.

Unless you belong to a very specific personality type, cleaning the home is not considered to be a ‘fun’ activity. This poses a problem when cleaning season coincides with a particularly engrossing series of Married At First Sight Australia (we trusted you, Dan). If you want to minimise time spent scrubbing and maximise time spent luxuriating, you’ll need a few expert tips – hold onto your feather dusters, here’s our brief guide to spring cleaning the ByMansley way.

Divide & Conquer

A job shared is a job halved, as they say. That’s why we’ve built a network of professional housekeeping staff to ensure that every nook, cranny and brass-tinted doorknob is kept to an impeccable standard. You may not have your own team, but enlisting the help of even one other person can make a huge difference to the workload. If they need convincing, just offer a small incentive, preferably something sugar-coated and edible.

Simplify Your Cleaning Products

There are literally millions of cleaning products all vying for your hygienic attention. It’s important, then, to pinpoint the key players – this will prevent storage cupboard cramming, save you money and may even help protect the environment.

Tools:

  • A magic sponge. When you have impossible stains, it helps to have a touch of magic – these sponges work by reacting with water, forming a microstructure as hard as glass and acting like (very fine) sandpaper on surfaces. Perfect for dirt and grime.
  • A toothbrush. For miniature details, it’s tough to beat the bristles of a toothbrush. We know, there’s something deeply unsettling about using the same utensil to scrub sink grime as you would your molars, but it works! All we recommend is that you keep your dental and home cleaning brushes separate… very separate.
  • A cotton cloth. Microfiber is all the rage right now and for good reason – it’s great for dust and is even believed to protect against viruses. That said, it’s also derived from petroleum, so, if you want to stay eco-healthy, you’re better off with recycled cotton. See: old t-shirts, pillow cases or ugly curtains.
  • A spray bottle. As you most likely already know, the modern cleaning zeitgeist is all about spraying stuff. What stuff you’ll be spraying, however, is a point of conversation. That’s why we recommend purchasing a handful of empty bottles, so you can later decide which concoctions are best suited for your potentially non-refundable furniture.

Solutions:

  • Water. No splitting the atom with this one, but it’s amazing how many of us overlook H2O in our quest to render a room spotless. When it comes to floors, aim for a hot (not boiling) temperature, then switch to cold for when you need to dilute other cleaning products.
  • White vinegar. Vinegar is the ultimate all-purpose, all-natural cleaning substance, specifically the colourless, white variety. It works just as well on windows, microwaves, tiles, stoves and dishwashers as it does on your caesar salad. For the right composition, balance one cup of vinegar with one cup of distilled water.
  • Lemons. With 5% acid, lemon juice is nature’s citric solution for mould and odours. Squeeze one into your spray bottle and scrub black mould immediately after application for quick results. Alternatively, you could cut and soak a few in a bowl of water to deodorise a room, dustbin or fridge, then use what’s left for your celebratory margaritas.
  • Baking soda. Do you smell that? It’s not the whiff of a fresh bloomer, nor the aroma of blueberry muffins… no, it’s the smell of opportunity. The opportunity to effectively scrub surfaces of grease, water stains, smells and more using the semi-mystical power of baking soda. The white stuff works great on sinks, drains and ovens mixed in with hydrogen peroxide or you can mix it with vinegar to clear out drains.

Decluttering

Post-Christmas, the house is often brimming with things we don’t need or that have outworn their use – insurance coupons, holey socks, last night’s takeaway (actually, that might still be good) – you get the picture. Decluttering, then, often requires a herculean effort, complete with scheduling, allocated boxes and spreadsheets. Yes, spreadsheets, we’re serious.

    • Scheduling. The decluttering process takes time, and that means you need to find the time to get things done. Scheduling a time and date in your calendar is a surefire way to ensure you don’t procrastinate and actually get cracking.
    • Delegation. Delegating rooms to days and people to rooms will help compartmentalise the decluttering process and make everything a bit less daunting. It may be that one room takes one day and so forth – by breaking things up, you’ll get more done and feel more rewarded in the process!
    • Organisation. Knowing who’s doing what and which items are due to go where ahead of time can save you countless hours of confusion and stress in the future. Okay, it might sound like overkill, but an excel doc can really help when it comes to keeping track of things and getting your team singing from the same (spread)sheet.
    • Boxes. Your best friends, your worst enemies – boxes are the literal building blocks that make up a clean home empire. Establish a labelling system ahead of time and be sure to keep one spare for any ‘maybe’ items that you’re unsure about throwing out.

Upkeep

Ah, home clean home. Behold your new domain of sparkling faucets, pristine tiling, spotless fabrics and appreciative/beleaguered subjects. Glorious, isn’t it? Just remember one thing – it’s easier to keep clean than to reclean. With a regular, weekly approach to upkeep, you can better avoid future dirt build-ups, mould damage and immovable stains. Keeping a rota will help ensure everyone is doing their bit and no room goes neglected. Who knows, with a good attitude, there might not be a need for a spring clean next year!

For more impeccable taste, terrible humour and truly exclusive exposés, subscribe to our newsletter or check back next Monday for the next weekly blog post.

Mansley Serviced Apartments are a collection of chic and stylish serviced luxury apartments available to rent in the UK’s most prestigious locations, including Mayfair, Kensington, Edinburgh, Cheltenham and the Scottish Highlands. Escape with us, at: www.bymansley.com

Image by Pexels

clock icon April 17, 2023

No Rain, No Gain: 6 Tips For Enjoying a Damp Easter Holiday With The Kids

Last week, the Met Office confirmed what every parent secretly fears in the build-up to Easter. Dust off the Scrabble, dig up the umbrellas and stock up on Nurofen – it’s rain. Pouring down unfailingly on every picnic, park walk and egg-shaped dream. Thankfully, with a little creativity and a high tolerance for carpet stains, you can make the best of the bad weather – here are a few ideas to dip your wellies in.

1) Baking

When you’re stuck indoors, there are few activities that tick the hunger, stimulation and productivity boxes quite like a good few hours of baking. Think mini aprons, healthy recipes, and blunt knives. Expect broken eggs, premature eating of chocolate chips, and plenty of sugar highs. Healthy(ish) suggestions include:

  • Garden carrot cake
  • Blueberry muffins
  • Cornflake tart

2) Science Experiments

Whether your kids are budding ecologists, palaeontologists or something more akin to Dr Frankenstein, you’ll find no shortage of homemade experiment ideas that are sure to provide both entertainment and education (and that do not involve the reconstruction of your family gerbil). Start off with some easy concoctions, such as: 

  • Slime making
  • Volcano building
  • Avocado trees

3) Arts & Crafts

There’s nothing better on a rainy day than a good couple of hours spent making stuff. Arts & crafts can take the form of origami, poster painting or even papier-mâché. Start by designating a messy space (preferably on a cleanable surface, away from the expensive rug) and set a nice, general objective, like:

4) Museums

Contrary to popular belief, rainy days can also involve the use of feet. You can, for example, use feet to walk into museums, where you’ll find objects of fascination, such as dinosaur bones, rocket ship replicas and other exhausted parents. Here are a few of our top recommendations, based on ByMansley locations:

London

Edinburgh

Highlands

  • Highland Folk Museum
  • Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
  • Treasures of the Earth

Cheltenham

  • Jet Age Museum
  • The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

5) Home Karaoke

With home karaoke, everyone wins. Your kids get to blast ‘Let It Go’ with the ferocity of a thousand suns. You get to sing ‘Do You Believe in Life After Love’ without anyone on the tube complaining. All you need is a plug-in microphone and an internet connection for Youtube.

6) Roll With It

The fifth and final stage of rainy holiday grief is ‘acceptance’. Coming to terms with your aquatic fate can quickly turn the April showers into, dare I say it, an opportunity for adventure. Why not throw on your raincoats, slip on the wellies and find some puddles to jump in? Or you could embark on a wildlife safari – frogs, lizards, worms, snails and even leeches are all barmy for wet weather.

For more impeccable taste, terrible humour and truly exclusive exposés, subscribe to our newsletter or check back next Monday for the weekly blog post.

Mansley Serviced Apartments are a collection of chic and stylish serviced luxury apartments available to rent in the UK’s most prestigious locations, including Mayfair, Kensington, Edinburgh, Cheltenham and the Scottish Highlands. Escape with us, at: www.bymansley.com

Image by Pixabay

clock icon April 7, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Inverness Areas of Natural Beauty

It’s hard to talk about the Scottish highlands without mentioning their world-famous areas of natural beauty. Guests of our Highland Apartments are within hiking distance of illustrious lakes, mystical mountains and more buttes than you can blow a bagpipe at – here are a few spots to prioritise during your stay.

Loch Ness

Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake has yet to yield any long-necked monsters, but it can be considered monstrous in itself, with over 23 miles of water and depths of up to 650 feet. We recommend guests at our Highland Apartments take a boat tour (and bring a harpoon, just in case).

Glen Affric

There are forests, and then there are forests. Glen Affric (a caledonian reserve near to Cannich) is just a 40-minute drive (or 1h 15 min bus ride) from our Highlands Apartments and may well redefine your understanding of the word, with over 30 miles of pinewoods, moorlands, mountains and wildlife (including golden eagles).

Isle of Skye

Strictly more of an isle than an ‘area’, a visit to this collection of archipelagos is likely to beat out any other spectacle this side of the equator. Travel by boat or shared transport across the coastline of peninsulas, lochs and mountains to the town of Portree, where a hub of harbourside pubs and boutiques awaits you.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Inverness Activities & Exercise

When you look at the local scenery, it’s no surprise that the city of Inverness has developed such a keen appetite for outdoor activities and free form exercise. During your stay, you can combine your cardio routine with stunning lakeside vistas or swap the peloton for a road bike and set off down a mountain path.

Inverness City Centre Walking Tour

Before venturing out of the city limits, try your hand (or foot) at a walking tour – this is a great way to familiarise yourself with the area, its history and get your steps in before settling on a dinner option.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Open seven days a week and free of charge, the Inverness Botanic Garden is a cornucopia of tropical plants, ponds, succulents and vibrant flowers. Better yet, the garden is cared for and nurtured by the GROW project – an initiative designed to help individuals with learning disabilities to develop life skills, gain work experience and find greater independence. With hours of walk paths, you’re sure to work up a sweat during your visit.

Inverness Bike Hire

If you want total freedom to explore the surrounding region of Inverness, why not look into a local bike hire? The official Inverness Bike Hire service is affiliated with VisitScotland and provides the most flexible, environmentally-sound way to explore the highlands.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Inverness Eco Dining

Considering its proximity to so many areas of natural beauty, it’s no wonder that sustainability is taken so seriously by the Inverness hospitality sector. Whether you’re hungry, thirsty or in need of a pick-me-up, indulge your tastes without having to worry about carbon impact.

Inverness Coffee Roasting Co.
15 Chapel St, Inverness IV1 1NA

As the city’s foremost baristas, Inverness Coffee Roasting Co aim to promote recycling, minimise waste, source environmentally-sound products and avoid plastics, all whilst brewing world-class coffee. If you want to start your day guilt-free and ground to perfection, you know where to start.

Café Artysans
7 Strothers Ln, Inverness IV1 1LR

Café Artysans puts ethical catering first by sourcing their ingredients from local, sustainable outlets and supporting their young employees to independence. Better still, the café is located just a 7-minute walk from our Highland Apartments.

The Victorian Market
Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JN

Inverness has developed a reputation as something of a foodie hotspot, and this is largely thanks to initiatives like The Victorian Market, now a fully-developed food hall. Take an afternoon to peruse the selection of sumptuous cakes, pastries and locally-run gift shops – all tastes catered for.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Edinburgh Eco Dining

In line with the Scottish capital’s wider sustainability efforts, guests will find plenty of delicious, inventive and earth-friendly dining options within the city limits, offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Hendersons
7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HW

Boasting a heritage of vegan and vegetarian cuisine that dates back to 1962, Hendersons features an upmarket, all-day menu built from the ground up (literally) with fresh, organic, local and sustainable produce. You’ll find few better options for a pumpkin ravioli or world-class wild salad plate.

Café Modern One and Paolozzi’s Kitchen
75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR

If you happen to be paying a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, why not stop for a bite at one of their ethical eateries, Café Modern One or Paolozzi’s Kitchen? You know they source their ingredients locally because the garden patch (featuring seasonal harvests of apples, plums, pears, berries, rhubarb, asparagus and more) is in view of your dining table.

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Edinburgh Hikes

For the avid hiker, Edinburgh and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of walking wonders, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or test your mettle, you’re sure to find a trail worth treading.

Arthur’s Seat: Located on the summit of an extinct volcano, the iconic hike to Arthur’s Seat is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and rewards successful climbers with unbeatable, panoramic views of the city, and the coast beyond.


Suitable: Beginners to intermediate.
Distance: 3.9km

Pentland Hills Regional Park: Just a 45-minute drive (or eco-friendly bus ride) from our Knight Residence apartments, Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a climber’s playground with 10,000 hectares of scalable terrain. Check out the Harlaw woodland walk, Great glen mystery hike or Capital view hike.


Suitable: Beginners to intermediate.
Distance: 3.5-4.5km

Seven Summits of Edinburgh: The infamous seven summits (or seven hills) route is built to test hikers of any experience level. There’s no better way to get a scope of the city and its surrounding region, just make sure to clear any other plans for the day – this is a 6+-hour expedition.


Suitable: Intermediate to experienced.
Distance: 27km

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Edinburgh Parks

With more Green Flag spaces than any other UK city and a unique blend of historical architecture, picturesque landscapes and cultural landmarks, Edinburgh is a park-lover’s paradise. Why not pick up a book, pick out a location and unwind in a patch of shade?

  • The Meadows (14.5 hectares) – 5-minute walk
  • Princes Street Gardens (8.5 hectares) – 9-minute walk
  • Royal Botanic Garden (28hectares) – 30-minute walk

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Cheltenham Sustainability Festivals

Guests staying in Cheltenham during February may want to stop by its yearly climate-based event, ‘From the Ground Up: Festival of Sustainability’. This one-day celebration features art competitions, ‘recycled fashion’ shows, keynote speakers, charity activities or green business networking opportunities.

Venue: St Philip & St James’ Church, Leckhampton

Date: Mid-February (annually)

Dress code: Casual

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Cheltenham Eco Shopping

Shopping in Cheltenham doesn’t have to harm the planet. You’ll find plenty of outlets and local businesses that put the environment front and centre, without compromising on quality – here are a few to consider.

Food Loose and Plastic Free

For a completely novel shopping experience, take a trip to FoodLoose in Cheltenham town centre – a refill shop run by volunteers that allows you to refill containers with a variety of dry foods, household cleaners and beauty products. It’s a cheaper, convenient and more eco-friendly way to shop for your daily requirements.

Eco-Able

Dani Seatter’s award-winning startup occupies a valuable place in the Cheltenham community. They specialise in vetting, reviewing and, hopefully, selling a range of eco-friendly products – from homeware to skincare.

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – Cheltenham Eco Dining

Hungry vegans and conscientious eaters will enjoy an abundance of plant-based dining options in Cheltenham town centre, provided by the sustainably-minded local community. Options include cafés, pubs and internationally inspired restaurants that will have even the most committed carnivores swapping veal for vegetables.

The Mahal
Montpellier Dr, Cheltenham GL50 1TY

Amongst Cheltenham’s most celebrated restaurants, The Mahal is a subcontinent dining experience featuring a 7-course tasting menu, á la carte & lunch menus and, most importantly, a sumptuous array of planet-friendly, vegan alternatives.

288 Bar & Wok
288 High St, Cheltenham GL50 3HQ

For fuss-free, vegan-friendly Asian cuisine, look no further than Bar & Wok on Cheltenham’s lower high street. Their meat-free menu showcases sharing platters, noodle bowls and ‘big plates’ with a tantalising combination of fried tofu with any sauce of your choice.

Suffolk Rock
8 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AB

Based in the heart of Cheltenham and independently run, Suffolk Rock remains true to its name and stands firmly, immovably, even, by its organic, local-loyalty principles. Their specialty is British cuisine, so expect heart roasts and country staples.

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – London Eco Dining

Rising to the challenge of reducing food-based emissions, London’s new assembly of eco restaurants are protecting the planet with a focus on sustainable recipes, carbon reduced supply chains, zero plastic and more – here are a few nearby options for you to plan dinner around.

Spring, London
Somerset House, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA

Spring restaurant, based out of centrally located Somerset House, boasts an ever-changing menu that makes use of seasonal, locally sourced produce. They were also the first ever single-use plastic free restaurant in London.

La Goccia
1 Floral Court, WC2E 9FB

La Goccia are specialists in Italian aperitivo with a focus on sustainable produce – their poultry, livestock, eggs, vegetables and fruit actually come directly from the organic, high-welfare Haye Farm, in Devon. They also source their line-caught fish directly from Cornish fishermen, rather than corporate trawlers.

Native At Browns
39 Brook Street, London, W1k 4JE

Native are not only an award-winning purveyor of British cuisine, they also feature an adaptable ‘wild food’ menu that focuses on key seasonal ingredients, ethically sourced meat and ‘foraged cocktails’. Proof that, if you want to go green, you have to get grubby.

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – London Cycling

London is a cycling city and, by 2041, it is expected that 70% of Londoners will live within 400 metres of a high-quality, safe cycle route. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, why not try hiring a Santander Cycle? They’re cheaper than motorised options and cycling is often just as expedient.

How to hire a Santander Cycle:


• Approach a docking station terminal
• Choose ‘Hire a cycle’ using the on-screen instructions
• Pay using your debit or credit card (other contactless devices will not work)
• Collect your printed receipt and type your release code into the docking point’s keypad, then pull the bike out once the green light has appeared
• Adjust the dimensions of the bike to your preferences
• Ride away!
• After riding, find an empty docking point and push the bike firmly into place, until a green light has appeared
• If the docking station is full, choose ‘No docking point free’ at the terminal and follow the on-screen directions for another 15-minutes. You can then look for an alternative.

Remember, you should aim to research safe bike paths before beginning your journey. You’ll find plenty of routes within the central London area that can help you avoid major areas of traffic.

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

Learn more

clock icon March 30, 2023

Carbon Neutral Activities & Wellbeing in our Cities – London Parks

Around a third of the Greater London area is covered by vegetation, with up to 436 hectares of tree canopy cover. If you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of green spaces to unwind in – here are a few located near our properties:

Mayfair properties

      • Green Park (19 hectares) – 3-minute walk
      • Hyde Park (142 hectares) – 4-minute walk
      • Grosvenor Square (2.5 hectares) – 11-minute walk

      Kensington property

      • Bramham Gardens (0.6 hectares) – 1-minute walk
      • Holland Park (21 hectares) – 16-minute walk

      Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

      London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

      Learn more

          clock icon March 29, 2023
          Sign up to our newsletter
          Green tourism gold badge ASAP operator logo tripadvisor logo hoteliers' charter logo living wage logo eco smart logo trip advisor logo